A tiresome drive!

Today was a rather long and weary one. We drove from Saint Joseph, Missouri to St. Louis, Missouri. The scenery was pretty much the same the whole way. However, this is a photo that DARYL took of me in the van driving and you can see the beautiful clouds. Aren’t they magnificent!?!

The driving was tough, as there were many automobiles on the road. Also, there were a lot more cattle chutes today and my cruise control stopped working on the RV.

So of course I needed to stop for Starbucks. What an adventure that was. I think the sign on my forehead that says “talk to me” must’ve been blinking in neon. I walked in and said to the barista, “how are you today?” She said, “Do you want the robotic answer or the real truth?” I told her “Only the truth with me honey.” (You see I’m into my Southern dialect already where it’s honey this and honey that! I don’t mind a bit!) And boy did I get an earful. “It’s been a terrible day,” She said. “It’s a Monday and it’s been crazy busy and nobody’s happy. But I have off tomorrow so I’m gonna recoup.” Then the other worker came over and said yeah it’s been a crappy day. and she told me about her events. “Well, I’m really sorry about all that,” I said to them. “I just would love for you gals to have a really happy afternoon. You just made my day by making me this mocha.” Then they asked me all kinds of questions. What are you doing today? So I told them about our cross country trip. Then that got them excited so now all three baristas came over to the counter. I was the only customer. I asked them where they were from and they told me their stories. “We just live in a boring place like Missouri,” they said. “You’re going somewhere exciting. Good for you!” I told them to keep saving their money and tucking a little away and their time will come too to be able to go where they want.

I wished them a great afternoon and told them that I hope it was much better than the morning. They said they were so glad I stopped in and when was I coming again. I said “Well I do t suppose I’ll be back because I’m going to Myrtle Beach to live!” So after a much longer visit at Starbucks than I anticipated, I went back to the RV where DARYL was waiting for me. “You won’t believe what happened,” I said. “It was another truth telling session.” We laughed together and are grateful for the opportunity to make someone’s day better.

The other great thing that happened to me was that two people made my day. When I walked into our hotel to register and gave them my license, they both looked at me and said “you are way cool, Mrs. HOLLINGER. We love that pink hair of yours.It is just fantastic.” They just made an ordeal about it. They were glad I came to stay and were enthusiastic in letting me know about the hotel. “If you need anything at all, we are here for you,” they said. What a grand welcome.

DARYL says if we had a quarter for every time somebody mentioned my hair we would be rich by now. I’m glad it makes people happy because it makes me happy. Some of you might be wondering why I do it. But after CANCER when my hair grew in curly and white, I wanted to do something different. I just felt like I needed a little pizazz thus the pink. It’s a reminder to me of life and healing!

We did go for a swim after getting settled in. Once we were refreshed, we dressed for dinner and the photo is a picture of me ready for my date with DARYL.

The closer we get to home the more I am eager to be there. But today we were both very sentimental about our friends in California. We really miss you all and are feeling the loss. I told DARYL it’s OK for us to grieve. We have loved deeply and been loved immensely. So of course we will feel the loss.

Today I went through some photos and sent a few to some of you. I was reminiscing about good times with you. That’s what life is about- making memories that warm the heart each time you think of those marvelous escapades we’ve had together.

So tonight, before you say your prayers and get tucked into bed, think about some marvelous times you’ve had with friends. Cherish them and maybe send them a note to let them know how much they mean to you. As we are so tragically aware of the lives lost in Texas, we can be reminded to treasure every moment. I agonize for those parents. The death of a child is severe, and it will take much love and comfort for them to hang onto life in this difficult time. Let us collectively lift them up to God for mercy and grace. And may the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds to Christ Jesus, amen. Love you all Bonnie Lee.